Kelly Lafferty is an Unit Educator in Youth Development that recently has been transferred to DeKalb County's Natural Resource program. Kelly's prior work experience was with the LaSalle County Extension unit. Kelly's position is state funded and due to recent state budget cuts her position is one of 29 in thestatethat will be eliminatedin thenear future.
While in LaSalle County her main responsibilities included teaching school enrichment programs for grades K-12th, providing teacher trainings, planning and implementing a variety of special events, programs and workshops and developing curriculum when necessary. She works with a variety of county agencies who serve the youth population in providing educational opportunities.
Lafferty holds a M.S. degree in Outdoor Teacher Education and a M.S. degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation. She also worked for University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County as a Naturalist at the Nature Center in Genoa. Lafferty is a certified trainer for Character Counts!, a facilitator for Projects Wild and Learning Tree and trained in the curricula she presents in the schools. Her professional affiliations include Environmental Education Association of Illinois, Illinois Extension Professionals for Youth Education, Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals, National Association for Interpretation and Toastmasters International.
Program Offerings:
Welcome to the Real World: Students choose a career and learn how to budget their finances while writing checks
Today's Choices, Tomorrow's Reality: Students learn that the choices they make today and influence their tomorrows. Includes goal setting, motivation, time managment, budgeting
Environmental Education Programs: Currently have a recycle program for grades K-5 grades. One lesson for each grade.
Science Programs: Many hands-on programs to help students learn about science. Some popular topics include Wonder Wise, The Disappearing Earth, City of Ooze, Rockets Away
Character Development Programs: Polite is Right, Character Counts, Talking with TJ: Teamwork and Conflict Resolutions.
Workforce Preparation/Career Development: Along with WTTRW and TCTR, Going Solo, WOW! Wild Over Work
